Travel to Cyprus:
Cyprus tourist information with details about travel to and around the country. Where to
stay and what to see is made easier with insider tips and hand-selected Cyprus links, by
dedicated editors and visitors to TravelNotes.org - The Online Guide to Travel.
The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia (Lefkosia).
Buy
a Map of Cyprus.
The flag of Cyprus is white with a copper-colored silhouette of
the island (the name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two green
crossed olive branches in the center of the flag.
The branches symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between
the Greek and Turkish communities.
A former British colony, Cyprus became independent in 1960
following years of resistance to British rule.
Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot
minority came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of
Nicosia.
Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic
intercommunal violence continued forcing most Turkish Cypriots into enclaves throughout
the island.
In 1974, a Greek Government-sponsored attempt to seize control of
Cyprus was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled more than a
third of the island.
In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the 'Turkish Republic
of Northern Cyprus', but it is recognised only by Turkey.
A two-year round of UN-brokered talks - between the leaders of the
Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, to reach an agreement to reunite the
divided island - ended when the Greek Cypriots rejected the UN settlement plan in an April
2004 referendum.
The entire island entered the EU on 1st May, 2004, although the EU
acquis - the body of common rights and obligations - applies only to the areas under
direct Republic of Cyprus control, and is suspended in the areas administered by Turkish
Cypriots.
At present, every Cypriot carrying a Cyprus passport has the status of
an European citizen. However, EU laws do not apply to north Cyprus.
Geographically
Middle East - island in
the Mediterranean Sea; south of Turkey.
Administrative Divisions
6 districts:
Famagusta; Kyrenia; Larnaca; Limassol; Nicosia; Paphos.
Note:
Turkish Cypriot area's administrative divisions include Kyrenia, all but a small part of
Famagusta, and small parts of Lefkosia (Nicosia) and Larnaca.
Independence
16th August, 1960 (from UK).
Turkish Cypriots proclaimed self-rule on 13th February, 1975 and
independence in 1983, but these proclamations are only recognised by Turkey.
National Holiday
Independence Day: 1st October (1960).
Note:
Turkish Cypriots celebrate 15th November (1983) as their 'Independence Day'.
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